Halfway along the South Coast of England, at Poole in Dorset, is the world's second largest natural harbour. Just inside the entrance to that harbour lies the largest of its five islands- Brownsea- just one and a half miles long and three quarters of a mile wide. Brownsea is historically the site of Lt.Gen. Robert Baden-Powell's experimental camp of July / August 1907 which resulted in the foundation of the World Scout & Guide Movements.
The island, with its 200 acre Nature Reserve and unspoilt beaches, is now owned and managed by the National Trust. Scout and Guides, from all over the world, are able to camp on B-P's original site. Ownership by the Trust means that the island is secure for all time - it would require an Act of Parliament to authorise its disposal.
Camping On Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour has campsites and a cottage which are used by members of the Scout and Guide movements. These are all in the vicinity of the original campsite on the south shore used by Lord Baden-Powell for his experimental camp which led to the start of Scouting. This area is on lease to the Scout & Guide Association from the National Trust who own the Island.
The area is managed by a joint Committee representing both Scouting and Guiding. The aim of the Committee is to maintain the historical influence and to provide camping and hostel facilities together with Scouting and Guiding activities on Brownsea Island. They are supported by Friends of Guiding (Brownsea Island) and the Brownsea Island Scout Fellowship. They work closely with the National Trust and have a Scout and Guide warden responsible for the campsite during the season.
The Island is a natural unspoilt region where the campers feel close to nature, a special delight are the red squirrels who live there. It is also remote; although in the middle of a busy harbour, the Island is inaccessible to vehicle traffic. There is a Trading Post where Scout & Guide souvenirs can be bought, and activities such as Archery and a Ropes course are available. The committee is dedicated to improving and maintaining the site without spoiling the natural environment and is looking forward to their involvement in the Scouts Centenary in 2007.
How to get on to the Island There are two regular ferry services from Poole Quay (not from the Ferry Terminal). Both Greenslades Pleasure Boats and Brownsea Island Ferries (see links below) are happy to transport camping equipment, which should all be extremely well packed. The ferry companies offer good rates for Guide & Scout parties and they will arrange trips to fit in with your numbers. Also available are The Dorset Belles who offer a service taking you to the island from Bournemouth pier for day trips. This may be a good alternative if you are in Bournemouth but not suitable if you intend to camp on the island.
Ferries leave Poole Quay from 10am at approximate 30 minute intervals. The last ferry from the Island is at 5pm or at 6pm during the High Season. You must plan your journey in order to arrive before the last ferry of the day otherwise you will not be able to land on the island. Alternatively boats can be taken from The Haven, Sandbanks (a much shorter journey!). If catching the ferry from Sandbanks there is on road parking including disabled spaces. However, during the Summer season Sandbanks is extremely popular and on road parking is very limited. It is a 15 minute walk from the Sandbanks carpark to the passenger ferry jetty. The jetty is adjacent to chain ferry taking cars to Studland.
You will land on the jetty by Brownsea Castle. Upon arrival on the Island at The Town Quay a National Trust Landing Fee is payable for day visitors. There is a party rate for the landing fee if arranged with the National Trust in reasonable time before your visit. For those camping on the island there is a £1 per head fee to the National Trust for the duration of the visit. There are no cars on the island other than the National Trust's vehicles. Access to the camp and South Shore Lodge is by footpath. As the island is 1½ miles long, it will take approximately 20 minutes to walk to the site. |
